julescaroline Reviews

Pepsi, Where's My Jet? (2022)

It had potential but was ultimately ruined by length

[4/10 · 15 October 2023]

I was invested in the first three episodes. The interviews were well done and it was light hearted. Throughout the entire documentary, the viewer sees a harrier jet in the background of 50% of all filming. I watched and enjoyed the banter and unveiling of the thought process behind top key players. I carried the assumption of victory up to the final episode. The first three episodes were told with a victorious tone. However, in the final episode, the viewer feels misled. (Because there was a harrier jet with the lead character in the background.) I appreciate his clear love for the environment. Those scapes are most beautiful because people aren't there to ruin them. I would have thought, had he not gotten his prize key, he would have gone on to become a pilot of jets, giving PepsiCo a giant. "Screw you, I win in the end." I think a more compelling documentary would have been about his accomplishments exploring the most epic spots on our beautiful planet. He wanted the jet, but not for the jet, for the journey, that he went on regardless. How he didn't have a solid case for false advertising is beyond me. I appreciate his principles.

Reptile (2023)

SOLID waste of talent!!!! Yes it's THAT bad...

[1/10 · 8 October 2023]

I still sit shocked that the talent involved with this film could possibly disappoint THAT much. I love Del toro and he usually makes solid choices but this was garbage! I kept watching thinking, "It will pick up and get better..." NOPE! The audience watches all these characters and there's no movement. It's a meandering series of minimal content with a cast you are expecting A WHOLE LOT more from. Sci-fi channel could have made this. There was no depth to the faces you're excited to see. This was a solid waste of talent for DelToro, Silverstone and Timberlake. The writing was so poor they couldn't have saved it.

Eerie music dances in the background while the audience is begging for ANYTHING to happen and it doesn't. I didn't get a solid sense of direction whatsoever. Further character development may have helped. I watched at 1.5x speed and it still didn't bring action. There were subplots unrelated and, characters scattered around. There was never a dramatic moment that pulled it all together-to even remotely make up for what I had sat through at that point. It was a solid waste of time.

Are You (2023)

It has so much potential...

[5/10 · 19 July 2023]

I enjoyed the premise of this film and felt the storyline would be an epic love story. About a third of the way through it became very stagnant. There was a rush very early on to shift the story. There wasn't enough character development and angst. There could have been so much more emotional performances. I can only imagine the actors were restricted by the director and screenplay. I would love for an entirely different production company take this story on. It would make for a beautiful book where an author really dogs deep with the main characters. Changes in relationships both led to minimal passion, complacency. It had so much potential!

Seasons (2023)

Time I will never get back!

[2/10 · 13 July 2023]

Please don't waste your time on this one. It was a revolving door of teen drama ridiculousness.

The audience is led in one direction the entire film-only BAM it just stops. There isn't an ending, It's as if they ran out of money, sent all the actors home and said, "Peace out!" This was immaturity at its absolute best. You will question just how bad both the acting and writing can be in one film. Then you'll be even more disappointed (layer upon layer of disappointment.) I cannot believe I kept watching. I was hoping the ending will surly make up for this mess, but no, it just stops, like mid-sentence. Viewers are immediately searching the interwebs in an attempt to find the necessary part 2. Nope, not there either. Hard pass. Probably one of the bigger Netflix disappointments in 20 years as a customer....

Tangled (2022)

One of the better Passionflix.

[8/10 · 6 July 2023]

I can appreciate a strong female lead with an honest, well written performance. It's nice to see the rake grovel, and at times he did it like a boss! The passionate scenes were tasteful and not raunchy. I think this cast was well chosen. Many of the passionflix films are not cast as well and performances are surface level at best. Those films are more akin to a B-rated x-rated film.

These actors could do well in other genres. I would only have wanted a little more depth from Drew. While he was creative in his pursuits, and I appreciate that the writers didn't immediately flip Kate's opinion of him, I don't think he ever presented his most broken self to Kate.

His antics only took redemption so far. Digging a little deeper and aiming for a more raw groveling-would have improved the film. The writers should have presented only some of the idiocy, it should have shifted to him realizing obnoxious declarations would not draw this strong female back in. There is nothing like a trio 80's performance group in a work place to make a gal go running faster. That particular tactic was annoying to all.

Bonus points: I do love how producers always manage to sneak in another Passionflix. I've seen this done in other movies and it's charming to see them watching one of their own productions!

Dash & Lily (2020)

So sweet and cute!

[7/10 · 2 July 2023]

Great character development and supporting cast. Well written and creative content. The plot featured an anonymous whirlwind romance dependent on sentimental, tender written letters between curious teenagers. This was a nice departure from a typical story reliant on constant digital technology. This family friendly show featured strong bonds and realistic familial dynamics. The setting represented a truly inclusive atmosphere, a friendlier NY City. The viewer craves a world like that represented by the show. The show features a wide assortment of dynamic personalities. My only complaint is the length of the show. I think most viewers craved a few more episodes to provide an expanded experience between the main characters. The show's finality comes swiftly and this viewer was left wanting just a little bit more, making the ending feel a little blunt.

Fake Profile (2023– )

Viewer whiplash between profound scenery, undeveloped characters and a meandering plot.

[6/10 · 6 June 2023]

I was interested in seeing this only after the trailer played automatically on Netflix. I went in thinking it was a film rather than a series. Carolina and Rodolfo both gave solid performances. This is in part because of adequate character development. The fact that these actors look like Greek Gods is algae dropping to the audience. You keep questioning, "How can anyone be that beautiful? This is followed by jealousy and lingering insecurity.

The writers failed other actors, it would have made for a more invested audience had they given more development to the other actors. Some performances were very tele-nova (Angelina.) We could have used a lot less of her! After tolerating a few minutes of this, the viewer is tempted to ditch the show...however they bounce back to one of the solid performances and it keeps you engaged.

I wanted to race to the end to see how it all played out. Every episode builds anticipation that then ebbs and flows. I found myself wanting more clues. The build up ends with disappointment. I'm not sure where I thought it was heading but found myself regretful having spent 10 hours watching.

It was obvious the creator spent money on this production. The scenery was breathtaking. However, the audience is quickly sucked away from imagery, bc every person's ringtone was phenomenally annoying, constantly disrupting the flow of the show and distracting the viewer. The soundtrack was lacking. They kept going back to a particularly irritating song, each time the main character is dancing. Between that and the ringtone...I had to mute and/or fast-forward content. Had they been more mindful with the music, it could have profoundly supported the relationships that seemed genuine.

I think the writers and directors relied too heavily on lengthy sex scenes, it detracted from the show.

This was particularly evident in the brother's relationships. The plot insinuated that men immediately have sex-avoiding true intimacy.

With as much sexual content, there was no feeling of angst and longing between characters-which would have helped with plot and character development. Everybody just jumped straight to bed!

Early on, I really wanted the main character to develop feelings for her pretend husband. It would have greatly enhanced their chemistry, making the main character feel torn, rather than simply pining for one person and seeking revenge. The conclusion of this thought is only unveiled in the last few minutes of the finale, leaving me pretty disappointed. The main character never vocalized her end game, her goals. The viewer just bounces between characters, desperate to tie all sun-plots together somehow.

I gave a 6 because I had been excited and invested in the first 4 episodes. The creators really could have limited this to 6 episodes.

Brazen (2022)

It had potential...

[3/10 · 14 May 2022]

First let me say that the drama exceeded traditional Hallmark movies. The lead actor is a popular Hallmark actor, but this movie did allow his talent to glow...a little. I think I wanted to be really surprised by the ending. It just seemed to come down to bad writing/screenplay. I love Alyssa! It was nice seeing her after "Insatiable." Basically two hours wasted.

The Thing About Pam (2022)

Renee knocks it out of the park!

[10/10 · 10 April 2022]

This is truly LOL, but still incredibly sad to be true. The writers did an excellent job with Pam's character development. Knowing Pam, she's loving the notoriety from prison over this. Renee will get the Emmy! The world wants more Renee!!!

1883: This Is Not Your Heaven (2022) Season 1, Episode 10

So gripping!

[8/10 · 3 March 2022]

The pace of the whole show pulled viewers in just hoping they make it through another day. It's like we chased a carrot at snail's pace, only when we get the carrot, the show ends. I think everyone pulled so hard for Elsa and were feeling like she had just spread her wings, all the while not knowing her fate. I hate sad endings as they fall into a "tragedy" category for me. I think Sheridan would have done himself a favor (and created more material) had he really had character development and time spent on the Native American perspective. He missed a huge opportunity to finally have BOTH sides represented. As entangled as the events were, it would have worked. Elsa's character had many layers, but it was at the cost of other character's not being explored. In the beginning episodes, it wasn't abundantly clear that she would be the main storyline. Given that she passed, there is no where to go with a season 2. There aren't storylines we've invested in. Shea gave us beautiful poetry throughout, but everyone aside from him and Elsa were very one dimensional. Everyone was very stoic. It would have been nice to have seen more from Faith & Tim. The focus of the show didn't lend itself for them to truly portray lead characters.

Clickbait (2021)

Great until it wasn't...

[3/10 · 6 September 2021]

The show had so much potential. It was well written, well acted. UNTIL the last episode. 7 solid episodes to end with an obscure character as the big twist?! WHYYY. I would have given it a 9 had ANYTHING else be the ending. UGH!!!

Secret Millionaire (2018 TV Movie)

Well it had promise...

[3/10 · 1 July 2021]

First, I hate when Hallmark attempts to develop other relationship couples along side the main one. There's not time to establish chemistry in the first one, much less three. I actually love the plot considering I'm a well educated tree hugger, but it seemed forced. I like both actors, but there was zero chemistry. A hard pass!

Seven Seconds (2018)

A shocking reality

[8/10 · 11 April 2021]

Of course you get invested in this series. Great story telling and character development. The shocking ending is a direct reflection of how this story would have ended in reality. Or course we wanted the alternative. But that is not the works we live in. #BLM.

How It Really Happened with Jesse L. Martin (2016– )

Please ditch the background music!

[7/10 · 5 April 2021]

Great show but is constantly disrupted by the background music. WHY HSN, WHY!

Behind Her Eyes (2021)

Can we get there faster?

[7/10 · 21 February 2021]

Ok, so multiple plot twists at the last episode. It truly is snails pace until the last 2 episodes. If you're in your phone you can actually set the pace higher, but I was often at home and on tv. The ending does make you want to go back and watch it again with new eyes. It just needed a quicker pace.

Wanted (2016–2018)

An ending please!

[6/10 · 19 February 2021]

So it's a great show, but leaves many open questions. We never get to see the characters exonerated and truly freed. We never see them on a beach in Tahiti like the viewer wishes. Season 3 ending really isn't an end. I wondered if it was supposed to go on for another season but didn't get continued. Netflix you owe us more!

The Vanished (2020)

Meh...

[4/10 · 3 February 2021]

Ok I was into the movie the first hour, but then it kind of jumps off the rails. Further character development would have helped. The pace was slow. The ending should have featured MANY clues that the audience missed, not just an Epiphany by the sheriff at the end. I think the audience deserved a solid ending, but this came up short. Not terrible acting but poor writing.

Bridgerton (2020– )

The Duke is a miss!

[7/10 · 26 December 2020]

Julia Quinn created a dream worthy, charming Duke in the book. The chemistry between Daphne and the Duke should be palpable! He is supposed to be dashing with blue eyes. I can't buy into this, there just isn't anything brooding about him. Zero chemistry, ZERO. Not off to a good start with this one...

The Kissing Booth 2 (2020)

What a hot mess of film ugh!

[1/10 · 3 August 2020]

Three men?! We are supposed to believe the girl is juggling three men? Whyyyy?! Worst sequel ever, don't waste your time!

After (I) (2019)

Right down the middle...

[5/10 · 29 October 2019]

So I haven't read the books but will. I think the ending really left the audience wanting more, much more.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Great plot, poor execution

[4/10 · 26 September 2019]

The plot was ok and the actors were ok. I didn't buy into the two main characters having a connection. There was zero chemistry and the plot didn't need it. The ending was aloof and disappointing.

A Summer Romance (2019 TV Movie)

A little flat

[5/10 · 21 August 2019]

Beautiful scenery, fine actors, but fell flat. Erin seemed stoic at best. Ryan was great as usual. Wish they had more chemistry, stunning views though.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

Still waiting...

[1/10 · 10 August 2019]

If you want to spend 2.75 hours of nothingness, go see this. Scratching my head wondering what DiCaprio and Pitt were thinking doing such a terrible movie. And I usually love Teratino. UGH!

Sailing Into Love (2019 TV Movie)

Falls flat!

[2/10 · 1 July 2019]

This movie was doomed by a couple of things. First, Hallmark we get that you film nearly EVERY movie in Vancouver, but you should have aimed for another season. For a movie that primarily takes place outside, there needs to be some sun, not bleak dreary weather. Second, although the script was salvageable, the acting was flat. I've never been a fan of his but her performance came off as monotone and lackluster. Hallmark needs to aim to let actors display a moderate level of passion rather than passing interest.

9½ Weeks (1986)

Slow seduction that draws you in

[6/10 · 23 June 2019]

First of all, Mickey is a tall, brooding drink of water. Wow. From the start I can see their chemistry. It feels very reminiscent of Fifty Shades of Grey. Those producers had to have been inspired by this film. I wish we could have seen just a little more depth out of John, but I'm sure we would've hurt even more by the end. I thinks a must see.